What Drives Human Beings to Strive for More?

Nainsy Patel
3 min readJan 11, 2025

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"Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends." - Brian Tracy

We are wired to strive for excellence, as humans. We have an innate desire to push beyond our limits, to achieve greatness, and to leave a lasting impact. But what drives this relentless pursuit of excellence? Is it the fear of failure, the thrill of success, or something deeper?

Through personal experiences, observations, and surroundings, I have come to realize that individuals who have the guts to work hard and strive for their desired position will not settle until they achieve it. Their inner voice refuses to be silenced, constantly echoing the phrase, "You were made for that, not this little one." This inner conviction is what propels them forward, driving them to put in the extra effort required to reach their goals.

Recently, a friend shared with me her remarkable achievement of clearing a government service examination. However, she expressed her reluctance to join the service, citing that she felt she was destined for something better. When questioned about her confidence in securing a better opportunity, her response was simple yet profound: "I know I can work harder." This unwavering self-assurance is a testament to the power of inner confidence, which stems from achievements, discipline, and hard work toward one’s dreams.

Research has shown that individuals with high self-efficacy, or the belief in their ability to succeed, are more likely to set challenging goals, persist in the face of obstacles, and ultimately achieve greater success (Bandura, 1997). This confidence is not merely a product of external validation but is deeply rooted in one's inner self.

The story of J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, is a poignant example of this phenomenon. Despite facing rejection from twelve publishers, Rowling persisted, driven by her inner conviction that her work was worthy of recognition. Today, she is one of the most successful authors in the world, with a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

So, what sets these individuals apart? What fuels their inner fire, driving them to pursue excellence with unrelenting passion? The answer lies in their unwavering commitment to their goals, their willingness to put in the effort required to achieve them, and their unshakeable faith in their own abilities.

As the renowned psychologist, Angela Duckworth, notes, "Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you're willing to stay with it even when it gets difficult" (Duckworth, 2016). This grit, this resilience, is what separates the achievers from the rest.

In conclusion, the pursuit of excellence is a fundamental human drive. It is fueled by our inner convictions, our self-confidence, and our willingness to put in the effort required to achieve greatness.

As the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

So, let us strive to cultivate this habit of excellence, to push beyond our limits, and to achieve greatness. For it is in the pursuit of excellence that we truly come alive.

STAY HAPPY ❤️

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Nainsy Patel
Nainsy Patel

Written by Nainsy Patel

I'm Nainsy, a passionate writer, and creative explorer. I craft words into stories and poetry that inspire, educate, and spark meaningful conversations.

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